Man charged with hit-and-run

A 46-year-old Langley man is accused of illegally leaving the scene of an accident he caused while intoxicated, court documents state.

Prosecutors charged Clayton Cochran in Island County Superior Court May 21 with hit-and-run injury and driving under the influence. He could face between two days to a year in jail under the standard sentencing range if convicted of the charge.

Deputy Darren Crownover wrote in his report on the incident that a three-car accident occurred on Highway 525 at Kramer Road April 27. Cochran was driving a Chevrolet Suburban that was reported as the causing vehicle, Crownover’s report stated.

A passenger in one of the vehicles suffered a neck injury, while a driver complained of a chest injury.

As deputies were investigating the scene, Cochran drove off in his Suburban, the report states. But Cochran left behind a license plate and a tow hook from the Suburban, Crownover wrote.

Crownover went to Cochran’s home, but he wasn’t there. So the deputy parked near by and saw Cochran driving by in another vehicle. The deputy stopped the vehicle and arrested Cochran.

At the Island County jail, Cochran’s blood alcohol level was measured as 0.20 and 0.19. The legal limit is 0.08.

You can reach News-Times reporter Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or call 675-6611.